Skip to content

Podcast Episode #5 – Structural Engineering in Reusing Buildings

The Brookbanks Difference / News / Podcast Episode #5 – Structural Engineering in Reusing Buildings
A partially demolished building under clear blue skies, showcasing urban decay and modern architecture.

In this thought-provoking Podcast episode, hosted by Ben Wakeling, Rob Houlston, Structural Engineer and Shawn Galliers, Director of Sustainability, explores how structural engineering can play a pivotal role in the reuse of existing buildings, offering both sustainability and cost-efficiency benefits. Drawing parallels with other industries-like fashion, electronics, and automotives.

Why Reuse Matters

Retaining the structural frame of a building can save embodied carbon and costs compared to full demolition and rebuild. These savings are not just environmental- they’re economic. By approaching buildings from a lifecycle perspective, engineers can unlock value across carbon, material, energy, and cost.

Other industries reuse and repair things like clothes, gadgets and cars, so why not buildings?

The Engineer’s Role in Adaptive Reuse

Structural engineers are central to this shift. Their responsibilities span:

  • Feasibility assessments
  • Planning and managing works
  • Compiling results and drawing conclusions
  • Controlling expectations
  • Test of true understandings of materials in the real world

The new emphasis is that design is about accommodating change, not compromising vision. This mindset is key when adapting buildings for new uses-whether increasing floor space, changing function, or meeting heritage planning requirements.

Spacious interior with exposed wooden beams and industrial ductwork, showcasing modern renovation style.

Challenging Traditional Thinking

Historically, buildings were overdesigned due to limited analysis tools-relying on calculators and rules of thumb. Today, engineers must revisit assumptions and ask:

  • What can materials really do?
  • Where are the forces really going?

Real-world examples, like masonry walls that defy conventional calculations, highlight the need for a deeper understanding of materials in practice.

 

Redefining Success in Construction

Traditionally, success in construction was measured by time and cost. But as society shifts toward electric vehicles, renewable energy, and organic food, the pressure is on architects and engineers to lead the way in sustainable transformation.

🎧 Listen Now!
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable development, adaptive reuse, and the evolving role of structural engineers in shaping a low-carbon future.

Stay tuned for future podcast episodes!

Team members on the podcast

Ben Wakeling, Head of Cost and Commercial at Brookbanks
Head of Cost and Commercial

Ben Wakeling

Read Profile

More News

Back to News
three electric vehicle chargers attached to a red brick wall in an outside car park

Delivering EV Charging Infrastructure: Helping Developments Meet Today’s Demands and Tomorrow’s Expectations

February 25, 2026

At Brookbanks, we know EV charging becomes far more manageable when it’s approached as part of a wider development picture rather than an isolated task. Rising regulatory demands, limited capacity, cost pressures and the realities of underground or enclosed parking all interact in ways that can affect programme, viability and long‑term performance. This article looks at the recurring challenges we see across residential, commercial and mixed‑use projects and the practical steps that help developments meet Part S requirements, manage grid limitations, integrate load‑balancing and smart‑charging systems, and plan for solar PV and battery storage. The aim is to provide clear, grounded insight that helps teams design EV strategies that genuinely stand up to modern development demands.

Read More
A street of Brookbanks residential houses

Our February 2026 Newsletter

February 23, 2026

Welcome to our February 2026 newsletter. In this issue, we will be sharing what’s been happening over the past month, including our two new podcasts highlighting the common pitfalls around S278 and S38 highway approvals, and what the Planning & Infrastructure Bill means for developers in England and Wales, with special guest Mark Harris from HBF Wales. We’re also looking back on our latest article, which explored how unspent S106 and CIL funds create opportunities to review, challenge and optimise legacy obligations, and why combining planning expertise with commercial insight is key to unlocking value. Plus, we are rounding off by showcasing one of our team's achievements.

Read More
An aerial view of a Brookbanks construction site.

Brookbanks Webinar: De-risking Infrastructure Design

February 18, 2026

Earlier this month, we hosted a lunch-time webinar exploring how infrastructure design can be strengthened well before construction begins. Led by our Civil Engineering specialists Ryan Meade and Toby Crayden, the conversation focused on the practical steps that help to reduce uncertainty and make the transition from design to delivery smoother and more predictable. Their session looked at the real‑world challenges that commonly appear between early drawings and activity on site. Ryan and Toby shared their experience of how early awareness, clearer coordination and the right conversations at the right time can make a measurable difference to project outcomes.

Read More